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What have you learned recently?

Posted by contentconnection • 9/21/08 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: articlepoint.com, contentconnection.com, featuredarticles.com, life, webcontent.com, websitecontent.com

Disappointment is caused by unmet expectations. Disappointment is cured by revamped expectations.

How about you?

-Joanne
www.contentconnection.com

User Comments

9/22/08

annaswan

By revamped expectations - or when our expectations are exceeded? For me the cure to disappointment is when mine are exceeded.

Case in point, I fully expected my husband to be appreciative of the time and effort it took me to make dinner earlier tonight. I was instantly disappointed when he walked in the door with a bucket of KFC. But blown away when he said…

“I stopped and got some chicken because you work too hard around here, and I thought you needed a night off.”

Wow

[reply]
1. 9/22/08
  
  DocNicole
  
  Wow...that is great, but also annoying when stuff like that happens! I get things stuck in my head too, that it is going to be a certain way just over coffee sometimes, and need to just learn to go with the flow more.
2. 9/22/08
  
  contentconnection
  
  wow! what a surprise!
9/22/08

DocNicole

Well, this is an interesting topic since my site just crashed from 1000+ diggs on an article I did on olive oil, and as we were switching servers around to ameliorate the problem...I then lost about 20 posted articles and at least twenty post dated articles..including the one that is up on Digg right now. Gosh I hope my site doesn't get banned.

I was pretty upset a few hours ago and feeling hopeless about things, and that I spent all this time on this blog linking to all my friends posts over the past week, and mad that none of the links to my articles will work in the email, which means that most people will be annoyed by it and just delete it...or worse...se it as spam *shudder* But then I was reminded by a friend that I should be EXCITED that something I wrote became so instantly popular it crashed the site...

Right?

I think as a blogger you have to plan for these kinds of set backs on occasion, and that it is part of any growth curve, but it is tough when it happens. My previous expectations were that things like this would not happen, and that they would run smoothly. Perhaps I just need to create bigger expectations of my site in order to overcome this, as per your logic.

I used to get really disappointed by other people. I think it is just because I tend to care to much about others. Now, I am a big fan of just letting go of all expectations of others. I reserve the right to be disappointed in myself if I don't meet my own expectations or goals, but you can't put that much pressure on anyone else in your life, otherwise they will always chronically disappoint you.

Expecation----> Disappointment----->Disappointment then creates the need for some sort of expectation to get over it. So the expectations just get higher and higher to make up for the disappointment we previously experienced. Almost like a vicious drug addiction...but instead of plummeting lower and lower...the bar just keeps getting raised higher and higher, until disappointment becomes the inevitable. Silly isn't it.

[reply]
9/22/08

offendedblogger

Wow, I learned that Doc Nicole is even awesomer than I thought!

Yes, I know that awesomer isn't a word, I learned that last week.

[reply]
1. 9/23/08
  
  contentconnection
  
  hahahaha...
9/22/08

fated82

I went to watch firefly yesterday in M'sia and I got to say, God is magnificent. He can turn make even the dark places bright. Praise the Lord!

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9/22/08

LGramlich

I learned that some people just ignore it when you say, "I have no intention of being the leader of this group."

[reply]
1. 9/22/08
  
  ekim941
  
  That's why we decided to appoint you the leader of this thread.
  
  Congratulations!!!
2. 9/23/08
  
  LGramlich
  
  *LOL!* Guess I asked for that...
9/22/08

ekim941

I thought disappointment was caused by high expectations and the cure is low expectations.

[reply]
1. 9/22/08
  
  contentconnection
  
  what if your high expectations are met? would you still be disappointed?
2. 9/22/08
  
  ekim941
  
  I'd be disappointed that I had high expectations.
3. 9/22/08
  
  contentconnection
  
  sorry but, that sounds like nonsense...
4. 9/22/08
  
  ekim941
  
  Not at all. Why should I have high expectations only to allow myself to be disappointed. The way I see it, if I shoot for the stars and only end up in the stratosphere, at least I got off the ground.
  We can aspire to anything, that's what keeps us going. I don't expect anything, I'm much more flexible with what I get.
5. 9/22/08
  
  contentconnection
  
  re: I don't expect anything, I'm much more flexible with what I get.
  
  that's good ekim941!
9/22/08

poisonapplesauce

I learned that a car uses 1.6 ounces of gas idling for one minute. Half an ounce is used to start the average automobile Also slugs have 4 noses and Ernest Vincent Wright wrote a novel, "Gadsby", which contains over 50,000 words -- none of them with the letter E. Yes, its true, I learn the strangest things

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9/22/08

olgatravelingbra

I learned that Drowsey Monkey is a fraidy cat...and really needs to wash her foot!

[reply]
9/22/08

msbaby

I recently learned that people with low expectations in life are much happier than people who expect much from life. Expect nothing and you don't get disappointed. It makes a lot of sense if you think about it.

[reply]
1. 9/23/08
  
  LGramlich
  
  This is very true. You can see it in effect at any major holiday/ritual (weddings, big, family Xmas celebrations, etc.)
9/22/08

Jeunelle

Perceptions can be troubling.
Learning to back off without making to quick a judgement or decision is a good idea.
Backing off and taking a deep look at the situation can give you different insight
to help you make a better decision or judgement.

[reply]
1. 9/22/08
  
  contentconnection
  
  indeed!
9/22/08

thefly

"I found that if you have a goal, that you might not reach it. But if you don't have one, then you are never disappointed. And I got to tell you it feels phenomenal." haha

buzz buzz

[reply]
1. 9/22/08
  
  contentconnection
  
  hahaha... good one thefly! miss you here at bc!
  
  shoot me... shoot me...
2. 9/22/08
  
  thefly
  
  haha, I cant shoot you, I like ya too much cokelicious, haha. Yeah, I havent been around. Discussions and the argumentative nature of the discussions has turned me off and so I havent been participating. Im giving BC a break. Its nice to know that Ive been missed, haha.
  
  buzz buzz
3. 9/22/08
  
  contentconnection
  
  yeah i know! i've read that thread and i'm glad pepsilicious is back... so what you've been up for that long break if you don't mind.... anything you've learned? heheheh
  
  shoot me... shoot me...
9/22/08

drdental

I haven't figured out if its better to begin with lower expectations so you don't get disappointed as easily, or visa-versa. For some reason, I feel that lowering your expectations upfront limits your potential. Any thoughts?

[reply]
1. 9/22/08
  
  stephenams
  
  I agree, lowering your expectations does limit one's potential. Also, it is natural for a person to have high expectation. IMO, although some may not admit it, all of us do that (have high expectations). The best thing to do regarding that subject is that whatever the outcome may be, we must accept it and move on to other matters.
9/22/08

Arcticulates

That you don't put a small child in a room full of breakables and just say don't touch!

Actually I learned that a long time ago, but got a refresher course yesterday!

[reply]
1. 9/22/08
  
  stephenams
  
  hahaha... nice one.. all so true!!!
2. 9/22/08
  
  contentconnection
  
  hahaha.. very true! with my nephews & neices, i can relate.
3. 9/22/08
  
  thefly
  
  I hear ya, Ive had a guitar break because I was too trusting, haha. ARGH!!
4. 9/22/08
  
  contentconnection
  
  hahahaha....
5. 9/23/08
  
  poisonapplesauce
  
  been there lol
9/22/08

thefly

I learned that giving your library card instead of your ID when you are buying beer doesnt make you look sober or old enough to buy alcohol, haha. Not saying that happened to me

buzz buzz

[reply]
1. 9/22/08
  
  contentconnection
  
  hahaha... pepsilicious sounds defensive.... LOL
9/23/08

gabgab

I heard my special someone say " say what you mean and mean what you say" .

I want him to express his love for me as much as possible but it seems his taking me for granted since I think he knows I love him so much.

So the lesson learned here is to lower one's expectation on dumb men in love.

how do you express to a person to make him value you more ?

[reply]
1. 9/23/08
  
  contentconnection
  
  hey! i did my best... applied different strategies even reverse psychology... still, it didn't work...
2. 9/23/08
  
  stephenams
  
  Have you tried the "cold shoulder" method? I think it really works (my gf does that to me every time she learns something that I haven't/didn't tell her.).
3. 9/23/08
  
  contentconnection
  
  ahhh cold treatment... i did...
9/23/08

hadrian1407

Just learned a lot from you recently... just do your best and don't expect anything...just do it...usually is is beyond expectation.
2012-apocalypse.blogspot.com

[reply]
1. 9/23/08
  
  contentconnection
  
  wow! what a great feeling to know that somewhere has learned a lot from me. visited your site already. nice one! enjoyed reading your posts. really interesting!
9/23/08

mrbastard

speed distance time calculations....sad isnt it....

[reply]
9/23/08

newward

I have read this (below) many times but stumbled across it again this morning... so I figured I'd pass it along... I've learned that it's our fears that hold us back. It's the fear of disappointment that prevents us from having high expectations.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness,that frightens us. We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous"? Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

[reply]
1. 9/23/08
  
  Arcticulates
  
  Wow I like that! I am gonna hang it on my fridge to read everyday for a while.. Thanks for sharing this!
2. 9/23/08
  
  contentconnection
  
  wow! thanks newward for sharing what you've learned and i've learned through you. i will design a poster and will input what you've shared and will hang it on my room's wall.
3. 9/23/08
  
  gabgab
  
  I think I heard this poem from the movie by samuel l. jackson.
  
  I love it so much .. thank you for sharing a wonderful source of inspiration.
9/23/08

Jeunelle

I also learned that placing just a small amount of perfume or scented oil on a lamp bulb turned on when at a party, can give everyone at the party the impression
that you are still around somewhere at the party, even though you've gotten bored and left hours ago.
Alas my clean getaway.

[reply]
1. 9/23/08
  
  newward
  
  @Jeunelle
  Damn that's a good one!
2. 9/23/08
  
  contentconnection
  
  i'll apply that in our upcoming party! thanks for sharing Jeunelle!
9/23/08

NikkiCorrupt

What I consider boredom is actually A.D.D

[reply]
1. 9/23/08
  
  Jeunelle
  
  @NikkiCorrupt...Then I must of contracted A.D.D. at that boring party. Damn I knew I should of worn a full body condom.
2. 9/23/08
  
  NikkiCorrupt
  
  What party? I need details so that I wont go there
9/23/08

Theresa111

Last night we watched The Matrix and found out that our entire universe is an illusion.

[reply]
1. 9/23/08
  
  Jeunelle
  
  WOW...That is news.
2. 9/23/08
  
  contentconnection
  
  not just news but an interesting news. our entire universe is an illusion in a way that? we are living in a real world. you should stop watching too many sci-fi movies if you don't want to be carried away and GET A REAL LIFE!
3. 9/23/08
  
  gabgab
  
  so which illusion or reality are you in right now ?
  
  I learned today that banks, investment banks and the US government will do anything to propped up the confidence in their flawed investment market than face the reality that it was all a "sham"
9/23/08

nepalijournal

Everything makes sense a bit at a time. But when you try to think of it all at once, it comes out wrong.

[reply]
1. 9/24/08
  
  contentconnection
  
  yeah, i also experienced that!
9/23/08

drjay1966

I quit learning after I got my PhD....

[reply]
1. 9/23/08
  
  contentconnection
  
  just curious drjay1966, would you mind sharing us here why? 'coz i believe learning is a continuous process.
2. 9/23/08
  
  blogmyblogger
  
  I have to agree with you CC. We only use 10% of our brain and if this 10% is filled already with so much knowledge we have learned why not take another 10% or more out of the 90% unused.
  
  And this is what I learned just today.
3. 9/23/08
  
  nepalijournal
  
  As Osho puts it, an empty mind is the best one. But, if you have a vacant one, there'll always be people trying to fill it up!
4. 9/23/08
  
  drjay1966
  
  Actually, I was joking. Nonetheless, here's a great Zen story:
  
  A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitor's cup to the brim, and then kept pouring.
  
  The professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself.
  
  "It's overfull! No more will go in!" the professor blurted.
  
  "You are like this cup," the master replied, "How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup."
5. 9/24/08
  
  prettyme
  
  hahahaha.... i presumed. that was a great serious joke thou LOL
9/23/08

poisonapplesauce

as of 30 minutes ago, I learned not to try to attempt fancy dog grooming by yourself, my chow now looks like a lion/poodle mix and the pit bull? well, he saw the chow and is under my bed. oops

[reply]
1. 9/23/08
  
  contentconnection
  
  LOL
2. 9/24/08
  
  Arcticulates
  
  @poisonapplesauce
  I tried that with my himalayan cat once, his fur got so tangled no matter how much I groomed him, that I shave him, to start all over, he ended up with a furry head, tail and feet and looked goofy.. He didn't want anything to do with me for a while.. lol
3. 9/24/08
  
  contentconnection
  
  hahaha... i remember what my friend did to his dog Nancy. after shaving his pet, ewwwwwww... the dog really looked yucky!
9/23/08

gabgab

There so many things to learn in life.

Its just a personal decision to choose, observe and imbibe the lessons in life to improve and be happy and maximize our talents and skills.

I learned also people will con me just to make a buck.

[reply]
1. 9/23/08
  
  contentconnection
  
  hey hey gabgab what happened if you don't mind?
2. 9/24/08
  
  gabgab
  
  Some insurance came to the office and tried to sell me some life insurance from a big Insurance company... I guess you can tell what happened next. He got nothing from me...
3. 9/24/08
  
  contentconnection
  
  yeah, i have the same experience with you. we can't avoid that 'coz that's their way of earning for a living. anyway, it's still up to us. they can't force us if we really don't want too.
9/23/08

usborneactivities

There's no place like home.

[reply]
1. 9/23/08
  
  contentconnection
  
  you're right there usborneactivities!
9/23/08

contentconnection

i've learned just a few minutes ago that some of the BlogCatalog's Most Talkative and Still Talking awardee as posted on Daniel's blog thegoodknife.tumblr.com/post/50167301/blogcatalogs-most-talkative-still-tal... are talking in this thread... Thanks to you guys (you know who you are!) and of course thank you to all of you who are here... I truly learned a lot from your replies... hope you'll keep on coming back here and share your updated learnings.

[reply]
9/24/08

starcasm

Clay Aiken is Gay! OMG!!

starcasm.net

[reply]
1. 9/24/08
  
  contentconnection
  
  i think he is the one who said this line "I cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things."
2. 9/24/08
  
  gabgab
  
  So that's why he can't because he has something to hide ... hahaha ... I wonder what made him come out into the open about his sexuality.
3. 9/24/08
  
  contentconnection
  
  maybe he has nowhere to run and hide? LOL
9/24/08

contentconnection

Hey Blogcatalog's Talkatives of this thread! I've created a post regarding this discussion in my two blogs:

opinionfever.blogspot.com/2008/09/blogcatalog-popular-discussion-strikes.ht...
contentconnection.blogspot.com/2008/09/blogcatalog-popular-discussion-strik...

as my way of thanking and appreciating your contributions of making this thread as one of the popular discussions today but most of all for learning from you on what you've learned.

-Joanne

[reply]
9/24/08

ffprod66

The Wall is stronger than my head
ffprod66.blogspot.com/2008/09/wall-is-stronger-than-my-head.html

[reply]
9/24/08

alwayswinner786

God is great and the most beloved freind and guide.

[reply]
1. 9/24/08
  
  contentconnection
  
  indeed, God is Great! when He doesn't do what we want, it's not easy. never has been. never will be. but faith is the conviction that God knows more than we do about this life and he will get us through it.
  
  be inspired more at www.articlepoint.com/God-In-Everyday-Life-Enriches-The-Soul/a1838_1
2/10/09

hazirahkatrina

i have learned that its really hard to find truly sincere people towards us.

[reply]